I can do it myself using Tākai resources
Tākai resources you can use with whānau to explore and support their child's developing autonomy.
Pēpi is developing autonomy and a ‘mind of their own’. They may be determined to do certain things and start expressing their likes and dislikes, sometimes quite strongly.
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In 'Ngā tohu whānau' on page 14 of Te Pihinga 3, the ‘Love and warmth’ section tells us that ‘pēpi will want to make some decisions now. Let pēpi practise choosing between two things.'
Some other helpful places in Te Pihinga 3 to explore with whānau are:
- Page 6 – ‘Pēpi says: I like to try and feed myself too. Look at me!'
- Page 8 – ‘Whānau say: We have started to give pēpi finger foods. Pēpi loves the chance to eat without our help.'
- Page 12 – ‘Ngā taonga tākaro: Let pēpi take the lead when you read pukapuka together. Pēpi may... choose a book themselves and give it to you to read.'
- Page 24 – ‘Whānau say: We see pēpi use trial and error to solve simple problems. If something doesn’t work, pēpi tries another way. They can be really determined some days.
Other Tākai resources
In the booklet The World of Under-fives on page 4 is ‘Ten basics for a fair and firm approach’. Number 9 suggests, ‘Ask them what they think and give them simple choices.’
Page 6 reminds us to ‘Balance independence with limits’ and ‘Give limited choices’.
The booklet The Tricky Bits has a similar message on page 7, with tips for surviving the supermarket, ‘Involve them by giving them choices.’
Conversation ideas
Helpful resources for whānau
